Le Gerbier de Jonc, or more precisely Mount Gerbier-de-Jonc, is a grandiose natural wonder to discover in Ardèche, at the gateway to the Massif Central. For mountain trekking enthusiasts, this majestic summit is a must-see in the region, right after the famous Gorges de l’Ardèche. Pleasantly located in the communes of Saint-Martial and Sainte-Eulalie, the Gerbier de Jonc peaks at an altitude of 1,551 meters. It thus attracts avid hikers and adventure lovers. Every year, it receives up to 500,000 climbing and volcanology enthusiasts who are rewarded by the wild Ardèche landscapes once they reach the top.

A listed site since 1933, the Gerbier de Jonc is an ancient volcano in the shape of a dome. In this Ardèche tourist area, it is referred to as a “suc” due to its singular shape and incredible natural treasures. This sumptuous mountain in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is also over 8 million years old. The term “Gerbier de Jonc” refers to a pre-Celtic root, reconstructed with the Latin words “Gar,” meaning rock or stone, and “Jugum,” meaning mountain. Mount Gerbier-de-Jonc is not just about its wild landscapes and faunal treasures. Various cultural events occasionally take place on this mountain, making it an outstanding destination in Ardèche.

Some Ideas for Visiting the Gerbier de Jonc

Mount Gerbier-de-Jonc is accessible to all walkers, from beginners to seasoned hikers. It indeed offers several levels of hiking, from the easiest to the most challenging. Choose the route best suited to your fitness level to reach the summit of this mountain and make impressive discoveries along the way.

Climb the Mountain and Admire Stunning 360° Panoramas

Are you ready for a trek on the Gerbier de Jonc? Before setting off on your adventure, try to gather as much information as possible about hiking circuit ideas. If you prefer to explore the area without a tour guide, it’s best to strictly follow the blue arrows that serve as markers on this site. These markers are primarily designed to preserve the mountain’s authenticity from tourist damage. Start your expedition on Mount Gerbier-de-Jonc by taking the path on the right. Needless to say, the descent is then made on the left.

Generally, the ascent of this mountain takes about 30 minutes. To complete this course, you must be in good physical shape. The route is quite sporty, with alternating climbs, difficult passages, and slippery stones. Therefore, it is necessary to equip yourself with good hiking shoes to avoid unpleasant surprises along the way.

Moreover, some parts of Mount Gerbier-de-Jonc have sections with ropes. These routes have been set up, especially for difficult passages. Hikers accompanied by children must be very vigilant if they decide to climb this summit. While there are more challenging routes on the Gerbier de Jonc, once you reach the top, you will surely be impressed by the breathtaking views of the Ardèche mountains, the Cévennes, the Rhône Valley, and the Alps.

Visit the Site’s House

Just at the foot of the Gerbier de Jonc, you will undoubtedly notice the Maison du site du Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc, a place that opened at the end of June 2017. Built specifically to showcase Ardèche’s natural heritage, this building houses an educational room with several exhibitions that are a must-see during a tourist visit. Inside this house, the staff offers you the chance to enjoy a museographic tour. On this occasion, you can learn more about the true characteristics of the Gerbier de Jonc site. You will be informed about volcanism, geology, the birth of the Loire, and the phenomenon of the Water Divide. All these details will be explained through models, films, and slideshows for a comprehensive visit.

Explore the Gerbier de Jonc to Observe Its Floristic Treasures Up Close

For nature lovers, the Gerbier de Jonc is a guaranteed heart-throb in Ardèche. Besides the superb viewpoints and the indescribable impression at the top of the peak, the discoveries of the site’s flora will also delight you. Indeed, Mount Gerbier-de-Jonc has been classified as a “zone naturelle d’intérêt écologique, faunistique et floristique” of type I, given its remarkable character and the presence of many protected plant species. Take a group walk through this authentic site to discover rich and varied flora over an area of 280 hectares. Examples of wild plants that adorn the mountain’s landscapes include the Auvergne butterwort, round-leaved sundew, blue honeysuckle, and hairy stonecrop.

A Pedestrian Walk in the Woods and Discovering the 3 Sources of the Loire

A symbol of the sources of the Loire, Mount Gerbier-de-Jonc is an excellent starting point for admiring the most beautiful landscapes of Ardèche. Under this Ardèche mountain, a groundwater table supplies three different sources to form the Loire, the longest river in France. The path leading to these sources is particularly wooded, helping youto completely relax during your hikes. Ideally preserved nature, rich in greenery, awaits you in this part of the Gerbier de Jonc.

To create the Loire, the water under the mountain emerges and forms three small streams, including the following:

The Geographic Source

From an old barn with a lauze roof, this source flows into a trough in the stable of the Loire Farm (the building that houses the geographic source) before flowing into the river and then into the sea. The “geographic” source is so named because it is the first source of Mount Gerbier de Jonc mentioned in geography books as the “Source of the Loire.”

The Authentic Source

An ancient monument built in 1938 by the Touring Club de France, this source symbolizes the true “Source of the Loire.” The site is easy to recognize with its explanatory panels and is one of the must-sees of Mount Gerbier de Jonc.

The True Source

Indicated on cadastral plan No. 87, the True Source flows in a natural environment and emerges in a beautiful meadow. In reality, this is the zero point, the place from which the adventure around Mount Gerbier de Jonc begins. From the cadastral plan, a small path leads you to the True Source. Once there, you will see a lauze sign bearing the inscription “Here begins my long journey to the Ocean.”

Discover the Natural Wonders Around Mount Gerbier de Jonc

The Gerbier de Jonc in Ardèche is a natural destination surrounded by picturesque landscapes, nautical sites, charming traditional buildings, and waterfalls ideal for relaxing in nature. Enhance your excursion around this mountain with memorable experiences by visiting the following must-see sites:

The Ray Pic Waterfall

Located in the commune of Péreyres, the Ray Pic waterfall has been a listed site since 1931. Discover its two remarkable waterfalls during your hikes in this region. The first is quite difficult to access and is about sixty meters high. On the other hand, the second, the more accessible of the two, measures 35 meters and ends in a river flowing for about twenty kilometers.

The Ray Pic waterfall is a famous volcanic site ideal for hiking and swimming in natural waters. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ardèche, which is why it is very visited during the high tourist season.

The Grande Traversée de l’Ardèche

While admiring the grand natural spectacle offered by the Gerbier de Jonc, you also have the opportunity to follow the Grande Traversée de l’Ardèche by bike. You will discover vast spaces, punctuated by magnificent greenery for the pleasure of your eyes. Accessible from Mount Gerbier-de-Jonc, the Grande Traversée also leads you to other majestic natural wonders such as the Monts Mézenc, the Païolive wood, and the famous Gorges de l’Ardèche.

Are you a mountain biking enthusiast? A ride in this peaceful tourist area will surely complete your stay. Take the GR4 or GR7, according to your desires. Then, make a short visit to the characteristic villages that dot this destination near the Gerbier de Jonc.

How to Get to the Gerbier de Jonc?

Have you always wanted to climb Mount Gerbier-de-Jonc during your trip to Ardèche? With or without a tour guide, it is quite possible to live this experience when you arrive at the foot of the mountain. From the commune of Saint-Martial or Sainte-Eulalie, reach this site by car. Then, park your vehicle in the designated parking area along the road leading to the foot of the Gerbier de Jonc.

Once at your destination, it takes about 1h30 to climb and descend the Gerbier de Jonc. The duration of the route obviously depends on the activities to be done on this mountain in Ardèche. For your information, the Gerbier de Jonc also invites you every Easter Monday for a meal focused on “bœuf fin gras du Mézenc.” You will then attend an exceptional event, in the company of locals and other travelers eager for cultural discoveries.

To hike on this steep and visibly rocky site, you can choose between two interesting routes. Either you follow the most popular trail for walkers, or you take another 3 km path and admire the wonderful landscapes of the “authentic,” “geographic,” and “true” sources.